Students can “Take a Walk Through” a celebrity’s life and learn more about their coming out story at an event to kick off LGBTQA+ History Month on Wednesday.

At the event, set for 6 p.m. in the University Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, students will receive a card with a celebrity’s pronouns, occupation and relationship status. Going from station to station, they will learn how the celebrity came out to their family, the public, their career milestones, relationship status and what dating life was like for them before they realized they were LGBT.

There are nine different celebrities students can learn about, so they can participate again.

“It’s kind of a mystery who the celebrity is at the end,” said Tess McArthy, ideas and issues coordinator for the University Board, which is hosting the event. “We have a lot of well-known celebrities involved in this. I think a lot of personal stories and comments will impact students.”

McArthy said she hopes the event will show students that not every person’s coming out story is the same.

“Not everyone goes through the same steps,” she said. “Everyone is unique, every story is unique.”

McArthy, a newer member of the UB, said when she joined the UB, they had already decided to have an event in October be pride-themed for Coming Out Month.

While in previous years, the University Board has participated in Pride events, McArthy said she does not think this specific one has ever been done before.

The UB thought it was especially important to do something for LGBTQA+ History Month, as they do not get to do anything for National LGBT Pride Month in June, as it takes place during the summer, McArthy said.

She added that there is also a sizable population of students who identify as LGBT at Eastern.

“We want (students) to become more incorporated with campus,” McArthy said. “With all the political talks right now, we want students that are LGBT, out of the closet or in the closet, to feel like they have a safe and secure campus.”

Other events that will happen during LGBTQA+ month include safe zone training, set for Tuesday, Oct. 10, a screening of Moonlight at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19 in the Phipps Auditorium of the Physical Sciences Building, Pride Flag Bracelet Making at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17 in the Center of Gender and Sexual Diversity. The month will end with the Diva Drag Show, scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30.

Cassie Buchman can be reached at 581-2812 or cjbuchman@eiu.edu.